Chris Lombardi puts defense and security under the spotlight, as he shares his takes on recent NATO and EU cooperation and provides insight into the company’s own long-term strategic partnerships in Europe.

Three trends are currently driving the global electricity sector: decarbonization, decentralization and differentiation. Utilities are making significant contributions to mitigate carbon emissions, while a technology revolution is …

‘Anti-democratic’ charge denied by Czech ODS party

The Civic Democratic Party (ODS) from the Czech Republic wishes to protest against the statements by some MEPs describing the ODS as “anti-European” and “anti-democratic” (‘German MEPs anxious about touted union with Czech group’, European Voice, 26 February-3 March). These statements are unacceptable.

The ODS has been an integral part of Czech and European democratic party politics since 1991. The ODS observers in the European Parliament are affiliated to the European People’s Party and European Democrats (EPP-ED) group. The ODS is the second strongest party in the Czech parliament and is currently leading in the opinion polls. The former ODS chairman, Václav Klaus, is now president of the Czech Republic. Therefore, to describe the ODS as being anti-democratic is simply offensive. The same is true of the description ”anti-European”, just because the ODS’ approach in not in line with a vision of a federal Europe. The UK Conservative party, members of the EPP-ED group, is of the same political opinion.